US Hosts Gaza Peace Council Summit Amidst Palestinian Absence, Pledges Billions in Ai
US Hosts Gaza Peace Council Summit Amidst Palestinian Absence, Pledges Billions in Aid
M.U.H
19/02/20268
The first summit of the so-called “Gaza Peace Council” took place in Washington with the participation of leaders and representatives from approximately 40 countries worldwide. The event was marked by the complete absence of Palestinian representatives.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated at the summit that peace is challenging but achievable. He expressed gratitude for the attendance of the participating leaders and described his relationship with them as very good. Trump acknowledged that considerable work remains and that the situation in Gaza is complex. He also announced that most world leaders have agreed to join the council, with some leaders not being favored by the United States. He named Steve Witkoff as a mediator trusted and respected by all parties.
Furthermore, Trump revealed that $10 billion in aid would be provided to Gaza through the Peace Council, with several countries contributing over $7 billion as a rescue package. Trump characterized these expenditures as an investment in hope. J.D. Vance, the Vice President of the United States, attributed the realization of peace in Gaza to Trump’s commitment and thanked the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan for establishing peace between their nations. He outlined the summit’s objective as saving lives, promoting peace, and ensuring prosperity for the American people.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, described the Gaza crisis as unique and expressed hope that a solution for Gaza would serve as a model for resolving other global crises. He saw no alternative to the Gaza plan other than a return to war. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy, highlighted the remarkable cooperation with Qatar and Egypt, as well as the exceptional character of the Prime Minister of Qatar. He stated that without Benjamin Netanyahu, many of the peace efforts in Gaza would not have come to fruition. Witkoff also mentioned that Trump met with the families of Gaza detainees who sought an audience with him, asserting that Gaza detainees would not have returned home without Trump’s efforts.
The head of the Gaza National Administration Committee emphasized the commitment to achieving stability and development in Gaza, describing the conditions as fragile and activities in an abnormal environment. He spoke of efforts to restore security under a single governing authority and with a single weapon, revive the economic cycle, and reinstate essential services, aiming to lay the foundations for lasting peace in Gaza. The Executive Director of the Gaza Peace Council reported close coordination with Israel and Palestinian entities and announced the commencement of the recruitment process for the Palestinian police. He thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their support and deemed disarmament in Gaza as a necessary step.
Tony Blair, a member of the Gaza Strip Peace Council, considered a fundamental transformation necessary for Gaza’s reconstruction to have been initiated and referred to Trump’s plan as the sole hope for Gaza and the region. The Commander of the International Stability Force in Gaza stated that efforts to stabilize the security situation and empower civil governance are based on the National Committee’s vision, deeming $150 billion in funding essential for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The President of Indonesia announced that his country supports Trump’s plan and is committed to its success. He also revealed that Jakarta will allocate over 8,000 military personnel to participate in the International Stability Force. The President and Prime Minister of Albania declared that the Peace Council is not a replacement for the United Nations but aims to awaken the organization and urged world nations to contribute to assisting the children of Gaza.
The Prime Minister of Egypt expressed Cairo’s support for Trump’s vision for a new era of coexistence among regional nations, alongside support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and opposition to the annexation of the West Bank. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar announced Doha’s commitment to peace and mediation efforts, stating that the Peace Council under Trump’s leadership will pursue the full implementation of the 20-point plan without delay. Qatar also pledged $1 billion to support the Council’s mission. The Foreign Minister of the UAE announced that Abu Dhabi is allocating $1.2 billion through the Peace Council to support Gaza. The Foreign Minister of Morocco expressed his country’s readiness to dispatch security forces, police, and senior officers to Gaza and announced the establishment of a field hospital in the region.
The Foreign Minister of Turkey emphasized the need for a swift response to developments in Gaza, announcing Ankara’s potential participation in the reconstruction of health and education sectors, police training, and the deployment of forces to the International Stability Force. He identified the two-state solution as the basis for peace in Gaza. The Foreign Minister of Kuwait declared his country’s support for the Palestinian people and peace initiatives. The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reiterated Riyadh’s commitment to allocate $1 billion over the coming years to alleviate Palestinian suffering. The President of Hungary appreciated Trump’s efforts to establish peace, noting that the situation in Gaza affects European security and that serious discussions are underway in Europe regarding the council’s future role. The President of Paraguay stated that the international community must act to resolve all global conflicts, that his country is ready to participate, and that it supports Trump’s plan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated at the summit that the Palestinian people have suffered from illegal occupation and that lasting peace requires an end to all illegalities and law violations. He emphasized that, apart from the U.S., none of the permanent members of the UN Security Council have joined this council, and European nations and some powerful world countries have adopted a cautious stance.
